MLB labor talks enter new phase as players seek roster, data protections
The MLBPA’s latest proposals would change rosters, player movement, draft rules and data access as MLB’s salary-cap fight raises lockout risks.
United States
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Iran-Oman Strait Talks Advance as Gulf States Press for Restraint
Iran and Oman have made progress toward safer Strait of Hormuz shipping, but no final deal is in place as Gulf allies press Washington to pause.
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USDOT selects $1.73 billion for 127 U.S. infrastructure projects
The FY 2026 BUILD selections span roads, transit, ports, rail, truck parking and airport access, but recipients still face federal approval steps.
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GAO warns of uneven capacity as FEMA responsibility faces review
A GAO review found wide gaps in state and local disaster capacity as proposed FEMA changes could shift more responsibility to states and territories.
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Federal Voter-Data Fight Intensifies Before 2026 Midterms
DOJ is seeking statewide voter lists as courts block key parts of a proposed federal voter-list and mail-ballot system before the midterms.
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U.S. Job Openings Slipped in June as Hiring Held Steady
U.S. job openings eased to 7.4 million in June while hiring, quits and layoffs stayed broadly stable ahead of Friday’s broader jobs report.
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NPS Sets Aug. 25 as Fee-Free Park Day for 110th Birthday
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can avoid entrance fees at participating NPS sites on Aug. 25, but reservations and other costs may still apply.
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GAO: Canceled TWIC cards may still allow port access
A new GAO report identifies an unresolved risk that canceled TWIC cards could allow access to secure maritime areas and finds gaps in Coast Guard oversight.
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Congress Seeks Skadden Records Over Intel Deal, Ethics Concerns
Three lawmakers asked Skadden for records by August 4 about its Trump administration agreement, federal work and advice to Intel in a Commerce stake deal.
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Federal Medicaid deferrals pressure California and Minnesota
HHS is holding more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments while California and Minnesota document claims flagged for review, with providers facing added scrutiny.
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U.S. factories expand, but orders and supply costs remain uneven
U.S. manufacturing expanded for a seventh month in July, but slower deliveries, higher input prices and weaker June shipments show the recovery remains uneven.
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CPSC plans nationwide overhaul of product-injury tracking
The CPSC is modernizing its 1970s-era injury system to broaden hospital coverage, speed hazard detection and build in stronger privacy safeguards.
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USPS Watchdog Finds Vetting Gaps Despite Screening Improvements
A July 28 USPS watchdog audit found screening records for 96% of sampled recent hires but unresolved gaps in investigations, rehires and discipline.
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Zoox wins federal approval to charge for rides in robotaxis
NHTSA cleared Zoox to seek paid rides in steering-wheel-free robotaxis, but the temporary approval is capped and still requires state and local permissions.
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DOE Drafts National Transmission Needs Study as Electricity Demand Rises
A DOE draft identifies transmission needs tied to data centers, manufacturing and electrification. Public comments are due September 7, 2026.
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DOE opens $65.5 million oil and gas technology competition
DOE is seeking applications for up to 16 cost-shared oil and gas technology projects, with full proposals due September 22, 2026.
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What the FTC’s Kochava order means for location-data privacy
A June 25 court filing restricts Kochava’s handling of sensitive location data and requires specific consent, deletion, access and supplier safeguards.
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Immigration courts are issuing more in-absentia removal orders
Immigration courts are clearing cases faster, but missed hearings and in-absentia removal orders are rising, putting asylum claims and due process at issue.
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Graduate loan caps are in effect. Colleges now decide what students pay
Federal graduate-loan caps took effect July 1, while colleges weigh lower limits, institutional aid and private credit to cover remaining education costs.
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What changed in federal religious-liberty policy—and what remains a proposal
A July 23 DOJ memorandum updates executive-branch guidance, while 12 broader Religious Liberty Commission recommendations remain proposals.
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VA caregiver protections extended through 2028 for legacy families
A VA rule protects a defined group of longtime veteran caregivers from reassessment-based stipend cuts through September 30, 2028, with exceptions.
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Fed says credit-card balances are rising as borrowing costs stay high
Federal Reserve data show credit-card and auto-loan balances are picking up, while high interest rates and delinquency risks weigh more heavily on vulnerable households.